Kenya
Last update 06 October 2026Travel advice
Risk index
Level 3: Avoid non-essiential travel (Do not travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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You can apply for a Kenyan visa online at least 2 weeks before your travel via the website https://etakenya.go.ke/.
Republic of Kenya
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have a functioning embassy in Nairobi. Bulgarian citizens staying in the country on a short-term or long-term basis may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, for consular matters.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Address: Bole Sub-City, District 4, Haile Gebre Selassie Avenue (next to the Capital Hotel), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; P.O. Box 987
Tel.: +251 91 125 2514
Out-of-hours emergency number: +251 91 125 2514
Opening hours: 9.00 am – 5.30 pm
Reception hours: 9.00 am to 1.00 pm (by prior appointment via email)
Email: Embassy.AddisAbaba@mfa.bg; bul.addis@gmail.com
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/ethiopia
The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Ankara, Republic of Turkey, is accredited to Bulgaria
Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Ankara, Republic of Turkey
Address: İlkbahar, Yildiz, Ilkbahar Mah. Galip Erdem Cad, 613. Sk. No.11, 06550 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey
Tel.: +90 312 491 4508
Email: info@kenyaembassy.org.tr and kembankara@gmail.com
Website: https://www.kenyaembassy.org.tr/Home
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kenya in Bulgaria – Ivaylo Dermenjiev
Office: Sofia, 3 Pozitano Street, 2nd floor
Tel.: +359 2 988 26 52
Fax: +359 2 980 32 47
Email: consulate@kenya-bulgaria.org
General information
Security level:
Due to the risk of terrorist attacks by groups based in Somalia, it is recommended that you avoid travelling to the border areas (75 km) along the Kenya–Somalia border, including Mandera, Tarbaj, Wajir East and others.
There is a risk of kidnapping, terrorism, cross-border violence and criminal activity in the northern counties of Marsabit and Turkana, which border Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Throughout Kenya, there is a high risk of kidnapping. Foreign nationals are regarded as legitimate targets and have been the victims of kidnappings in the past. There is reason to believe that foreigners will continue to be kidnapped in the future.
Demonstrations and industrial action take place periodically in Kenya. Travellers to the country should monitor the local media and follow the instructions of the authorities. Should demonstrations break out, they should leave the area where they are taking place, as they may turn violent.
Before you travel, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers all medical expenses abroad, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of mortal remains and legal costs. Check that the policy covers all the activities you plan to undertake. The insurance company should have a 24-hour helpline to provide assistance.
There is a risk of piracy when sailing in the coastal waters off Somalia, the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
Healthcare:
The standard of care in hospitals generally does not meet European standards. It is recommended that you pay particular attention to food hygiene, including when consuming fresh fruit and vegetables. It is recommended that you drink bottled water or, as a last resort, boiled water.
For up-to-date information on compulsory and/or recommended vaccinations, please contact the Regional Health Inspectorates throughout the country.
Specific features of local legislation:
Possession of ivory in any form, as well as parts of other protected animals, is a criminal offence in Kenya and may result in a substantial fine or a custodial sentence.
Please show respect for local customs, traditions and practices, as your behaviour may be perceived as inappropriate or hostile, or may even be unlawful.
In Kenya, acts of homosexuality are prosecuted as criminal offences.
We recommend exercising particular caution when purchasing land or engaging in business ventures in Kenya, as fraud is common. Title deeds must be carefully checked and verified by the relevant authorities before any transaction is completed. Resolving commercial disputes in court can take many years.
Photography is prohibited in the vicinity of government buildings and facilities, including airports. This also applies to the central business district (CBD) of Nairobi.
In Kenya, smoking in public places is prohibited, except in designated areas. If you are in any doubt, do not smoke.
Kenya has banned plastic carrier bags for environmental reasons, and you will be asked to leave any such bags on the aircraft before disembarking on arrival.
Customs requirements:
Import restrictions:
Cigarettes and tobacco – 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227 grams of tobacco
Alcohol – 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine
Perfume – 250 ml
Money: Currency and financial instruments exceeding 10,000 US dollars or the equivalent must be declared to customs on arrival and before departure:
https://www.kra.go.ke/helping-tax-payers/faqs/customs-and-border-control
You must declare anything that may be prohibited from import or subject to tax or duty.
For further information:
https://www.kenyagovisas.com/news/kenya-customs-regulations
The import of drones is prohibited without prior authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority of Kenya:
Road traffic:
In Kenya, traffic drives on the left. The state of public transport is unsatisfactory. Foreigners are advised not to travel on city buses. Trains are generally poorly maintained. It is recommended to use licensed taxis to hotels and airports. The poor condition of the roads does not allow for high speeds.
A local, Bulgarian or international driving licence is required. Drink-driving is prohibited.
Practical advice:
Local emergency number: 999; 112
Travellers to Kenya are urged to exercise extreme vigilance and caution, particularly in public places frequented by tourists/foreigners, including hotels, bars and restaurants, sporting events, supermarkets and shopping centres, beach resorts, government buildings, international schools, buses, trains and other transport hubs, including airports. There is an increased risk of terrorist attacks during public and religious holidays.
Robberies, car thefts and kidnappings are common throughout Kenya. Citizens travelling to major cities such as Nairobi or Mombasa should be extremely vigilant.
When visiting bars and nightspots, never leave drinks unattended and do not accept drinks from strangers, as there is a risk that opiates or narcotic substances may have been added to them.
Do not carry large amounts of cash with you and do not display expensive jewellery or watches. Keep your passport in a safe place and carry a copy of the personal details page with you.
Local currency:
Kenyan shilling (KES). Currency exchange should only be carried out at designated exchange points. It is advisable to carry US dollars, cheques and credit cards with you.
Travel papers and visas
Citizens should ensure that their passport is valid for at least 6 months after their entry into Kenya, even if they do not intend to stay that long. Their passport should have at least 2 blank pages for stamps and visas.
You can apply for a Kenyan visa online at least 2 weeks before your travel via the website https://etakenya.go.ke/.
Consular service
European Emergency Travel Document:
In extreme situations - in case of damage, loss or theft of a passport, Bulgarian citizens can apply for an Emergency Travel Document at an Embassy of an EU Member State in Nairobi.
Certifications and legalizations:
In order to be valid in Bulgaria and to be able to serve before the Bulgarian institutions, all documents issued by the authorities in Kenya to Bulgarian citizens must bear the stamp of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya. Then, they need to be certified by the Embassy of Kenya in Ankara. The signature and certifications of the Embassy of Kenya in Ankara are certified by the Consular Office of the Embassy of Bulgaria in Ankara.
In relation to the translations into Bulgarian of the documents, the requirements of Art. 21a, Para. 1 of the Regulations on Legalizations, Certifications and Translations of Documents and Other Papers should be complied with, according to which for a foreign document translated into Bulgarian according to the order of this regulations on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and intended for use in the Republic of Bulgaria, it is necessary for the signature of the translator who performed the translation to be notarized in the Republic of Bulgaria.